Procedural terminology manuals for physicians have been published by the AMA since 1966. Now for the first time, the AMA's just released procedural terminology manual (CPT 1997, fourth edition) includes identification codes to be used specifically by doctors of chiropractic.
One can't help but wonder about the feelings of AMA members that the CPT editorial panel elected to include chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) codes. After all, it has been less than a decade since the AMA was found guilty of trying to "contain and eliminate" the chiropractic profession.
The CMT codes are the work of chiropractors Jerilynn Kaibel and Craig Little. Dr. Little is the American Chiropractic Association's representative to the CPT/HCPAC (Health Care Professional Advisory Committee), which develops all codes. Dr. Kaibel is the ACA representative to the RUC (Relative Value Update Committee)/HCPAC, which places a reimbursement value on the all codes.
Looking through the index, one finds the listing "Chiropractic Treatment" for codes 98940-98943. These codes, listed on page 392, read as follows:
CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATIVE TREATMENT
"Chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) is a form of manual treatment to influence joint and neurophysiological function. This treatment may be accomplished using a variety of techniques.
The chiropractic manipulative treatment codes include a pre-manipulation patient assessment. Additional Evaluation and Management services may be reported separately using the modifier-25, if and only if the patient's condition requires a significant separately identifiable E/M service, above and beyond the usual preservice and postservice work associated with the procedure.
For purposes of CMT, the five spinal regions referred to are: cervical region (includes atlanto-occipital joint); thoracic region (includes costovertebral and costotransverse joints); lumbar region; sacral region; and pelvic (sacro-iliac joint) region. The five extraspinal regions referred to are: head (including temporomandibular joint, excluding atlanto-occipital) region; lower extremities; upper extremities; rib cage (excluding costotransverse and costovertebral joints) and abdomen.
Dr. Kaibel points to the advancements chiropractic is making: "In less than two years we have been included in CPT coding and are now beginning to see the playing field level."
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
